Tag: teesside

Boro Sign Up To Extra Life Health Drive

By on 28th April 2016in In & Around

Football fans know all about extra time, but Boro supporters will soon be talking Extra Life thanks to a new health initiative…

Middlesbrough Football Club is signing up to the ‘healthy settings’ scheme, which works within organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff and service users.

And as well as targeting Middlesbrough FC employees, the scheme will be rolled out to Boro fans across the region, and all visitors to the club’s facilities.

Developed by Public Health at Middlesbrough Council, the initiative works by identifying the specific health needs within a setting; and implementing lasting health improvement and population behaviour change.

In this instance, the findings of Extra Life will be used to shape the objectives of future health projects implemented by MFC Foundation, the official charitable arm of Middlesbrough FC, in their work with Boro fans, as well as encouraging both club and Foundation staff to lead healthier lives.

Extra Life was launched in 2014, and has already benefited in excess of 10,000 people, through organisations including Teesside University, Middlesbrough Council, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Middlesbrough College.

Middlesbrough suffers from poor health outcomes and a high number of people dying early from preventable illnesses. Factors including smoking, poor diet and a lack of physical activity all contribute to this, and the club are keen to target and work to meet these needs.

The most recent research suggests an estimated 131 million days are lost to sickness absence each year in the UK, while up to 50% of health and wellbeing is thought to be determined by social factors and the environment in which people live and work. This in turn has an impact on productivity, a major stumbling block for rebuilding the economy locally and nationally.

It is hoped that by working collectively, Extra Life can reach high numbers of people in Middlesbrough and in turn, help address local health needs through targeted support.

To establish the specific health needs of Middlesbrough FC and its supporters, the club will be working with MFC Foundation to send out surveys in May, with the aim to implement new projects in the 2016/2017 season.

For more information about Extra Life, please visit www.extralifesettings.co.uk

Michael James, Middlesbrough FC’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Middlesbrough Football Club is committed to improving the health of people on Teesside, from our own staff to the wider community of Boro fans. We’re delighted to join the Extra Life drive, which provides an invaluable opportunity to tailor our efforts and make significant strides together with our supporters.”

Helena Bowman, Head of MFC Foundation, said: “MFC Foundation already delivers strong health projects in our community, but Extra Life will enable us to shape what we are doing around the needs of the Boro fans. We believe this project will help us to provide the most meaningful and impactful campaigns, where they are most needed.”

Sue Perkin, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Health, said: “Extra Life is all about harnessing the resources, insight and expertise of some of our biggest institutions for the benefit of the town as a whole. Middlesbrough continues to make significant progress in a number of areas, but there are undoubtedly challenges which must be overcome if we are to see real long-term benefits.”

Cutting Crew And Blurred Vision Tour Together For First Time

By on 4th April 2016in Entertainment

On April 29th Cutting Crew’s main men, vocalist/founder Nick Van Eede and guitarist Gareth Moulton, head out with Blurred Vision as one unit to play a handful of selected UK dates…

Sometimes it takes a chance meeting, sometimes a span of years, sometimes it’s plain old synergy. Then sometimes it’s simply that old chestnut, six degrees of separation. There’s an argument for all points of view here.

When UK based Canadians Blurred Vision, founded by Iranian born brothers Sepp and Sohl Osley, met world rockers Cutting Crew it was their producer, the renowned Terry Brown, who made the introduction.

The Crew were just one of a host of luminaries that Terry had worked with. Always drawn to a cracking song – he produced the mega hit ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’ amongst others – he was instinctively drawn to Blurred Vision. The two groups met through him and, regardless of age gap existed, the music was on the same page.

Fast forward to 2016 and a one off merger of like minded souls and superlative musicians…

All the hits will be featured along with new material from both bands’ recent albums. The dates also mark the 30th Anniversary celebration of ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’. With the first leg of the tour already on sale, subsequent dates will be announced shortly.

Cutting Crew have sold millions of records world-wide and their huge radio play continues to grow. Their new album ‘Add To Favourites’ has already been called the ‘best of their career’ (Discussion magazine). Alongside his work with the band, Nick Van Eede is an in-demand song writer with credits including Pixie Lott, Mika, Marillion and Cher amongst others.

Blurred Vision have already caused quite a stir. Their version of ‘Another Brick In the Wall’ led to world-wide acclaim and a ringing endorsement from Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters. Their debut album ‘Organised Insanity’ was hailed by Team Rock UK as “one of the best of 2015” while Record Collector Magazine praised their live show as “Stadium/Arena sound with intellectual clout”.

The first leg of the tour has just been announced including the following venues: The Forum, Tunbridge Wells (April 29); Stockton ARC, Stockton On Tees (May 6) http://bit.ly/CC-BV-StocktonARC; The Fleece, Bristol (May 7) http://bit.ly/CC-BV-TheFleece; 100 Club, London (May 8) http://bit.ly/CC-BV-London;

Tickets are priced £12.50 – £15 and are on sale now from all venues.

It could be said there’s a blurring of lines between old and new, but the cutting edge stays the same. The message is clear…this is going to be one unique show!

MFC Foundation Introduce New Transition Project For Teesside Schools

By on 18th March 2016in In & Around

Last October, Head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the importance of a good start to secondary school “cannot be overstated”…

And now, a new schools project on Teesside is set to give children their best chance yet when making the step up from primary to secondary education.

Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is teaming up with Middlesbrough Council to roll out the schools transition project, with more than 300 children to receive support from ‘transition coaches’ from the later years of primary education through to their first years at secondary school.

Delivered by qualified staff from MFC Foundation, the official charitable arm of Middlesbrough Football Club, the pull of the Boro badge will be used to engage with the young pupils. As well as leading classroom activities to prepare youngsters for the step up, the transition coaches will provide a consistent point of contact for the children throughout the process.

The £100,000 scheme, which includes £70,000 of funding from Middlesbrough Council, will be piloted in three Teesside secondary schools and their 12 feeder primary schools from May.

Recent government research has suggested that the culture shift from primary to secondary school is one of the most critical periods of a child’s education. Published by Ofsted in September 2015, a report entitled ‘Key Stage 3: The Wasted Years’ concluded that “the rate of pupils’ progress and achievement [in Key Stage 3] were not good enough”.

It is hoped that the project will provide a positive catalyst to improve Key Stage 3 for children in the Tees Valley.

MFC Foundation is currently advertising three staff positions to work on the transition project. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 22 March. Please visit www.mfcfoundation.co.uk for more details.

Stewart Smith, MFC Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, said: “Raising aspirations through education is a huge part of MFC Foundation’s vision for the Teesside community.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Middlesbrough Council to target and improve a crucial part of the school experience for our young people.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “We are committed to improving outcomes for all young people, and the transition from primary to secondary is one of the most important periods in a great many young lives.

“Through this important scheme Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is creating a unique opportunity to engage children in our disadvantaged communities and help them improve their self-belief, life skills, employment prospects and health.

“It is a fresh approach which has the potential to change lives for the better, and we are pleased to be able to support it.”

Biochemica Goes For Growth With Senior Team Expansion

By on 10th March 2016in Local Biz

Water management company, Biochemica UK Ltd has made a succession of senior appointments as it targets national and global expansion…

As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Biochemica has appointed Managing Director of Focus on Success, Gary Lumby MBE, to its Board as the company’s first Non Executive Director (NED).

The announcement follows a company restructure made at the start of the year, which saw the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer to oversee the day-to-day management of the business. A Leadership Team, comprising of Biochemica’s senior managers and directors was also established to drive performance and departmental alignment.

After enjoying consistent annual growth since its conception in 2007, the water and wastewater treatment specialist is stepping up its ongoing expansion across the UK and internationally. These plans will see the Teesside headquartered company increase its geographical presence by opening two new locations in the South East and South West, as well as targeting Asian and European markets.

In pursuit of these moves, Biochemica enlisted the expertise of Mr Lumby, who holds several NED positions at other northern businesses that have experienced similar rapid growth. The well-known businessman and influential finance figure joins joint owners and founders, Dr Tim Robinson and Dave Ruddy, alongside Compliance Director, Dave Stratford.

Managing Director at Biochemica, Dave Ruddy said: “Gary impressed us with his extensive and proven track record in helping companies like ours to realise their potential. We are delighted to have him on board at this critical time as we embark on taking Biochemica to the next level.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Lumby – who recently added six associate directors to his Focus on Success team – said: “Biochemica is an ambitious company with the foundations for great success. I am looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge in finance, marketing and strategic business planning to add strength to the Board and support the execution of our growth plans at an accelerated pace.”

As a result of increased demand for its specialist technical services and chemical products, Biochemica’s nationwide team has already doubled over the past year. The next stage of expansion promises employment figures to escalate again, with the creation of new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

New roles will be required to bolster the company’s Billingham operation, establish its southern premises and enhance its wider regional teams spread throughout the UK.

Mr Ruddy added: “As one of just a handful of UK-based companies to provide expert solutions across the areas of both water and wastewater treatment, plus the ability to apply our technical knowledge to a huge range of industries in the public and private sector, opportunities for growth are unlimited for Biochemica.

“With the expansion of our senior team and access to Gary’s professional guidance and network, we have all the key components in place to take Biochemica forward at a quicker rate than ever before.”

For further information about Biochemica UK Ltd, visit www.biochemica.co.uk, call 08455 045440 or email info@biochemica.co.uk. You can also find Biochemica on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ by searching Biochemica UK Ltd.

Boro Taxis Saves French Skiing Holiday

By on 9th March 2016in Local Biz

Boro Taxis came to the rescue to save the holiday of a woman who had left her passport 250 miles away by driving to London and back…

Christine Gordon, 27, had travelled up to her parents’ home in Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, from her home in London for a family skiing holiday in the French Alps.

She had journeyed from Kings Cross to Northallerton by train arriving at her parents’ home at 10pm on the evening before her flight.

Christine, a dentist, 27, explained: “I arrived at my parents’ quite late in the evening and it suddenly dawned on me that I couldn’t remember having packed my passport.

“I frantically emptied my bags and couldn’t see it anywhere. I called my boyfriend, who was back at my flat in London, and he saw that it had slipped down the side of the bed where I had been packing. I couldn’t believe it as I’m normally so organised.”

Christine and her family realised there were a few options; drive to London and back, arrange a courier collection, change Christine’s flight to the following day from London, or Christine could miss the holiday all together.

Christine added: “It was such a stressful start to the holiday as it was, without the thought of a mission back to London or missing the start of the holiday. Then my dad had a brainwave and wondered if Boro Taxis could do it.”

Her father Ian called Boro Taxis, one of the largest firms of its kind in the North East, and the company quickly accepted the job and dispatched a driver who travelled through the night to London and then back to Osmotherley.

Christine was reunited with her passport in time to catch her flight.

Christine said: “I was in a real state when I realised I had forgotten my passport. Boro Taxis didn’t just save the day, but saved my holiday thanks to its fabulous customer service.

“It’s great to know that there are firms able and willing to step in when people are in a crisis. I can’t thank Boro Taxis enough – the company and its driver were my saviours!”

Boro Taxis regularly is called upon to transport people from the region to destinations throughout the UK, but picking up and delivering a mislaid passport is among its more unusual bookings.

Mohammed Bashir, Boro Taxis founder, said: “We strive to meet the needs of our customers whatever their transport requirements.

“We’re proud that Christine’s father felt that Boro Taxis had the ability to come to the rescue. We are delighted that we were able to reunite Christine with her passport.”

Redcar Racecourse Completes £250,000 Refurbishment

By on 28th February 2016in Local Biz

Teesside’s Redcar Racecourse is eager to kick start the 2016 racing season on Easter Monday after undergoing a £250,000 refurbishment…

The racecourse – which is yet again the cheapest paid admission racecourse in the country having kept its admission prices frozen for the ninth year in a row – will host seven Premier Meetings between March and November.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “The region went through a tough time last Autumn with the closure of SSI and a number of other businesses, and we understand that times are tough for many of our racegoers.

“We’re very proud to be part of the community, and that’s why we’ve kept our admission prices the same, because we believe everyone should be able to enjoy a fabulous day at the races.”

Over the winter months the racecourse has undergone a £250,000 refurbishment with a number of improvements, including a new roof on the parade ring viewing stand, new windows on the top floor of the Petch Stand, a revamp to the hospitality boxes and the toilet facilities, and improvements to the Crow’s Nest ‘Dine & View’ restaurant.

Amy is thrilled with the renovations and is looking forward to seeing what racegoers make of the developments.

She said: “We’ve been very busy over the winter period. The 2015 season was spectacular, and this year we expect it to be even better thanks to the improvements we’ve made.

“The racecourse has invested in a number of facilities around the venue as part of a 5 year improvements plan because we want to offer visitors a great racing experience.”

The Tees Valley racecourse has an exciting schedule of 18 racing fixtures until the seasonal finale in November. The highlights of the season include:

  • Easter Monday 28th March – Bank Holiday racing and lots of children’s entertainments
  • Bank Holiday Monday 30th May – Zetland Gold Cup day
  • Saturday 18th June – Ladies’ Day
  • Sunday 17th July – Helps For Heroes Family Fun Day
  • Saturday 6th August – Caribbean Carnival day
  • Saturday 27th August – Ladies’ and Gents’ Evening
  • Saturday 1st October – Seasonal climax with the £175,000 Tote Two Year Old Trophy, the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the final of the Straight Mile Championship Series

To celebrate the start of the season on Easter Monday 28th March, Redcar Racecourse is giving one lucky child the chance to win a VIP day for four people by taking part in their ‘egg-cellent’ colouring in competition. The winner will also see their artwork displayed on the front cover of the official racecard and have a race named after them on the day.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page or website and follow the instructions.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult, with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 12 noon, and the first race is scheduled to start at 2.05pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

There are many hospitality options, from the Dine & View package in the Crow’s Nest Restaurant to racegoers’ packages, including admission, a racecard, food and drink.

For more information, visit www.redcarracing.co.uk, and to enter the Easter Monday VIP competition, visit www.redcarracing.co.uk.

Careers Service Spearheads Campaign Against Gender Stereotypes

By on 24th February 2016in Local Biz

The National Careers Service in the North East is spearheading a campaign to challenge gender stereotypes in the workplace…

As part of the campaign, the National Careers Service is helping careers advice professionals educate students across the region on the diverse range of opportunities open to them in the North East, regardless of gender. This has included attending careers briefings at colleges and schools in the region.

Labour market research by the National Careers Service in the North East reveals:

  • 21% of the science, engineering and manufacturing workforce is female.
  • Women make up only 9% of the UK’s engineering professionals.
  • 16% of IT specialists working in the North East are female.
  • 12% of applicants to computing degree courses are female.
  • Men make up less than 16% of the nursing care home workforce.
  • Men make up less than 20% of the social care workforce.
  • 67% of the Crown Prosecution Service workforce is female.
  • About 74% of the 20,000 members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives are women.

The National Careers Service in the North East is employing the latest technology to showcase its findings. The App – Challenging Occupational Gender Stereotyping (COGS) – funded through the Equality and Diversity Innovation Fund was designed to help address gender discrepancies in a range of professions including IT, healthcare and engineering.

Carly Hinds, Partnership Manager for the National Careers Service in the North East, said: “The App can be used to help open up the minds of young men and women in the region to the wider spectrum of careers opportunities available.

“We want to debunk the misconception that some sectors are the domain of mainly males or females.

“We are employing the latest technology through the creation of an app which challenges the gender disparities within some industries across the region, such as engineering and healthcare.”

The App featured prominently in a recent event at Stockton Riverside College’s Bede Sixth Form. Alice Atkinson, Careers Coordinator for Bede Sixth Form, said: “I felt it was important for the National Careers Service to attend our Respect Festival, as many young people do not realise key sectors in the North East offer great opportunities for both men and women, and that employers welcome diversity.

“It is important for young people across the North East to not feel held back by their gender when pursuing a career they feel passionate about. Our work with the National Careers Service in the North East is there to encourage our students to challenge gender stereotypes within the workplace.”

The National Careers Service in the North East is behind the Supporting Inspiration project, which helps young people develop an appreciation of the world of work, local labour markets, the skills needs for different business sectors and career opportunities open to them.

It has established a Supporting Inspiration portal, which aims to transform the way employers contribute to making young people in the region work-ready.

The service, which is part of the Government’s Inspiration agenda, uses the portal to match up employers willing to inform students about the world of work, with schools and colleges across the region.

It connects with employers in Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley, Tyneside and Wearside, who can offer a range of careers education support such as providing work experience placements, mentoring students face-to-face and online, and attending careers fairs.

Festival Of Thrift Relocates To Redcar For 2016

By on 24th February 2016in Lifestyle

Plans are afoot to take the fourth annual Festival of Thrift to the stunning location of Kirkleatham in Redcar on 24th and 25th September 2016…

The award-winning, free family festival shows people how to save money – and the planet – by being creative.

Heading out of its birthplace in Darlington for the first time since the inaugural Festival in 2013, the team wants to show how the event can inspire and support the economic future of communities throughout the Tees Valley.

The festival will return regularly to Darlington in future years.

A ten year plan is currently being drawn together for future festival locations, working towards 2025, the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger steam railway (which journeyed between Darlington and Stockton), and the year for which Tees Valley is bidding to be UK Region of Culture.

A proposal detailing the festival’s aims, values and programme will be presented at the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Cabinet Meeting at the Leisure and Community Heart on 1st March, where councillors will give the final decision as to the 2016 Festival taking place at Kirkleatham. HRH The Prince of Wales visited the estate last week as part of a wider visit to the borough, as The Prince’s Foundation is working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to develop plans for its regeneration.

The proposal also follows the recent visit to Tees Valley by Lord Heseltine to discuss plans to drive forward investment opportunities to the region. Lord Heseltine has been appointed chair of the Tees Valley Inward Investment Initiative, with a specific remit to boost the region’s international profile.

The Festival of Thrift is the UK’s National Celebration of sustainable living. It brings together international and emerging artists, superscrimpers, makers and designers, as well as stallholders selling all manner of homemade, home-grown, upcycled, recycled and thrifty produce. The festival brings people together to share skills through workshops, talks, films and a whole lot of hands-on joining-in and making.

This year, the festival will concentrate on sustainable business development. If the move to Kirkleatham is agreed, the programme will also include locally grown produce, food and drink inspired by the kitchen gardens and traditions at Kirkleatham.

Stella Hall, festival director, said: “I’d be delighted to head out to Redcar this year. Redcar received such a huge blow in 2015 with the demise of the steel works, which coincided with last year’s festival.

“We hope to show how each of us has skills and creativity we can contribute to create a sustainable community. The Festival of Thrift is dedicated to shining a light on the Tees Valley, celebrating the area’s individuality and the strength of its people.

“We will be heading back to Darlington for 2017, but the opportunity of holding the festival at Kirkleatham this year was too good an opportunity to miss.

“The site is the epitome of great regeneration. Kirkleatham has a fascinating museum collection, a stunning church and mausoleum, almshouses, railway cottages, park and woodland within walking distance.

“Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will be sensitively developing the stables on site, with an eye to business startups. Together with the new adventure playground, it’s a complete gem of a festival location.”

Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Councillor Sue Jeffrey said: “The festival organisers and Darlington Borough Council have worked extremely hard to make the festival a huge success, and we would work closely with them to replicate that in Redcar.

“We would be delighted to welcome the festival in 2016, particularly to such a special site which perfectly suits the festival’s values. It would be a real boost to our communities to host such a fantastic event.”

Councillor Bill Dixon, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “Darlington’s ingenuity gave birth to the festival, and we are delighted to see those ideas developed and explored in other settings and places, but look forward to welcoming the festival back home.”

The festival has continued to grow in size as well as reputation. In 2015 the festival welcomed 45,000 visitors throughout the weekend at its first home at Lingfield Point, Darlington, and scooped the Observer Ethical Award for Arts and Culture – a national coup for a home grown festival. In the same year, it won the North East Tourism Event of the Year.

This year’s festival will invite the UK’s thriftiest and most sustainable stallholders to build on some of the great programmes from previous years, including Alternative Village Fete with its mix of wandering performance and music stages, Oxglam recycled fashion shows, Bistros du Vin with local and amateur chefs, and Fix It Café, helping to save waste by fixing everything from a child’s music box to a broken computer. Workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, The Big Talks and Peoples’ Encyclopaedia will all be about sharing skills, and showing how each of us has something special to offer. The most exciting elements will emerge from the history and heritage of the site itself, and will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit festivalofthrift.co.uk and sign up to receive email newsletters, keeping you up to date as the festival programme develops over the next few months.

Yarm Health Clinic Expands Following Major Rebrand

By on 24th February 2016in Local Biz

A leading health clinic has expanded its services and team following a major rebrand…

HealthHub Clinics, formerly known as Yarm Osteopaths and Physiotherapy Clinic, consists of 13 associate practitioners, who are experts in delivering first class health services and treatments.

Based on Yarm High Street, the clinic has built up an outstanding reputation as one of the North East’s leading providers for musculo-skeletal pain reduction and maintenance programmes.

Following the rebrand, which has also seen the clinic invest in a new website, HealthHub Clinics now offers a full range of physical, mental and social wellbeing services including Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi, Nutrition and Naturopathy, Counselling, Mindfulness and Mediation, among others.

Established in 2000, the clinic has treated over 6000 patients across the Tees Valley and beyond, and it was a change of focus on wellbeing and demand for its services which led to the rebrand.

Osteopath Julian Crossley said: “Since we started 16 years ago, we have been known for our musculo-skeletal services, such as osteopathy and physiotherapy, and have built up a fantastic reputation for our work in these areas.

“However, over recent years there has been a huge increase in other health related therapies and wellbeing, which we are developing and expanding.

“We realised that now, more than ever, was the perfect time for us to add to what we already offer.”

The leadership team and its associates chose the name HealthHub Clinics as they believe it explains perfectly – yet simply – what clients can expect from the clinic.

Julian continued: “We decided on the name HealthHub Clinics as it encompasses all the various treatments and wellbeing services that are trending with people and current health awareness.

“We wanted to make sure that while the new brand made people aware of the extra services we now offer, they realise they will still receive the same excellent standards they have since we first opened.”

2016 looks set to continue a year of growth in both services and staff appointments for HealthHub Clinics, as the next few months will see the clinic welcome to its team, some of the region’s most reputable figures in the fields of health and wellbeing.

To find out more about HealthHub Clinics, visit www.healthhubclinics.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

5 Teesside Kids Represent England At Kickboxing Championships

By on 22nd February 2016in In & Around

Boro Taxis has kick-started a fundraising campaign to support five talented Teesside youngsters who have been selected to represent England at the World Kickboxing Championships…

The children, aged 6 to 12, are all members of the M.A-X Training Academy in Middlesbrough, and have been crowned national or European titleholders to qualify for the World Championships.

Heading for the prestigious October competition in Portugal are Adam Ullah and his sister Angeli, Warren Green, Holly Underwood, and Saran Hill.

The achievements of the young kickboxers were brought to Boro Taxis’ attention as Adam and Angeli are the children of one of their taxi drivers, Ashik Ullah.

In preparation for the tournament, each of the five-strong team is dedicating six days a week to training, putting in at least an hour a day.

Mohammed Bashir, founder of Boro Taxis, one of the largest firms of its kind in the North East, said: “It is fantastic that five local youngsters have qualified for the World Kickboxing Championships. It really is a proud moment for Teesside, as well as for M.A-X Training Academy and all its members.

“When we heard from Ashik about his children’s success, and the fact their club needed financial help to pay for the accommodation, flights and other expenses to get them to Portugal, we were only too happy to help.

“These youngsters are a credit to the area, and they are working so hard to achieve their dreams. We wish them well at the World Championships, and are sure they will do Teesside proud.”

Samantha Johnson, M.A-X Training Academy Manager, said: “We have never had so many members qualify for the World Kickboxing Championships at one time, and they are all an inspiration to the whole club.

“We are extremely proud of Adam, Angeli, Holly, Saran and Warren, whose dedication is second to none. Attending the World Championships will be a brilliant experience for them.

“It will cost about £6,000 for the six days that the team will be in Portugal, and we are very grateful to Boro Taxis for getting our fundraising efforts off to such a good start with its generous donation of £1,000.”

During the last few years, the youngsters have all notched up a number of significant victories on their journey to being selected for the World Championships.

At the age of 7, Saran became the youngest kick boxing black belt in the North East, attaining the highest A+ grading. She has achieved Silver and Gold at national level, and won Bronze and Silver medals in the European Championships.

Angeli has won Silver at the Europeans, and Bronze at the FSK Grand Championship. Both she and her brother Adam took Gold in this year’s English National Championships.

Warren has been Gold and Bronze medallist at national, and a Silver medallist at European level.

Holly’s achievements comprise Gold and Silver in the English Championships, and Gold and Silver in the Europeans.

Samantha added that learning martial arts was a great way of helping people to not only get fit, but also to help with their dexterity, including eye and hand co-ordination. It also has emotional and mental wellbeing benefits, such as boosting self-esteem and confidence.

M.A-X Training Academy, based in Bright Street, Middlesbrough, has been in existence 16 years, and has almost 200 members aged from 4 to 60+.

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